Minipig Model Research Articles

Predictive values of spinal cord diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to characterize outcomes after contusion injury.

To explore filtered diffusion-weighted imaging (fDWI), in comparison with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), as a predictor for long-term locomotor and urodynamic (UD) outcomes in Yucatan minipig model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Additionally, electrical conductivity of neural tissue using D-waves above and below the injury was measured to assess correlations between fDWI and D-waves data. Eleven minipigs with contusion SCI at T8-T10 level underwent MRI at 3T 4 h. post-SCI. Parameters extracted from region of interest analysis included Daxial from fDWI at injury site, fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity from DTI above the injury site along with measures of edema length and cord width at injury site from T2 -weighted images. Locomotor recovery was assessed pre- and weekly post-SCI through porcine thoracic injury behavior scale (PTIBS) and UD were performed pre- and at 12 weeks of SCI. D-waves latency and amplitude differences were recorded before and immediately after SCI. Two groups of pigs were found based on the PTIBS at week 12 (p < 0.0001) post-SCI and were labeled "poor" and "good" recovery. D-waves amplitude decreased below injury and increased above injury. UD outcomes pre/post SCI changed significantly. Conventional MRI metrics from T2 -weighted images were significantly correlated with diffusion MRI metrics. Daxial at injury epicenter was diminished by over 50% shortly after SCI, and it differentiated between good and poor locomotor recovery and UD outcomes. Similar to small animal studies, fDWI from acute imaging after SCI is a promising predictor for functional outcomes in large animals.

Combining nonsense mutation suppression therapy with nonsense-mediated decay inhibition in neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) results from germline mutations in the tumor-suppressor gene NF1 and predisposes patients to developing nervous system tumors. Twenty percent of NF1 patients harbor nonsense mutations resulting in premature termination codons (PTCs). Nonsense suppression therapies can facilitate ribosomal readthrough of PTCs to restore full-length protein, but their potential in NF1 is underexplored. We developed a minipig model of NF1 carrying a PTC to test whether nonsense suppression could restore expression of the NF1-encoded protein neurofibromin invitro and invivo. Nonsense suppression did not reliably increaseneurofibromin in primary NF1-/- Schwann cells isolated from minipig neurofibromas but could reduce phosphorylated ERK. Gentamicin invivo produced a similar plasma pharmacokinetic profile to humans and was detectable in clinicallyrelevant tissues, including cerebral cortex, sciatic nerve,optic nerve, and skin. In gentamicin-treated animals, increased neurofibromin expression was seen in the optic nerve. Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) causes degradation of transcripts with PTCs, which could impede nonsense suppressiontherapies. Nonsense suppression in combination with NMD inhibition restored neurofibromin protein expression in primary NF1-/- Schwann cells isolated from minipig neurofibromas. Thus, the effectiveness of nonsense suppression therapies can be improved in NF1 by the concurrent use of NMD inhibitors.

SmartPill™ Administration to Assess Gastrointestinal Function after Spinal Cord Injury in a Porcine Model-A Preliminary Study.

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications, including motility disorders, metabolic deficiencies, and changes in gut microbiota following spinal cord injury (SCI), are associated with poor outcomes. After SCI, the autonomic nervous system becomes unbalanced below the level of injury and can lead to severe GI dysfunction. The SmartPill™ is a non-invasive capsule that, when ingested, transmits pH, temperature, and pressure readings that can be used to assess effects in GI function post-injury. Our minipig model allows us to assess these post-injury changes to optimize interventions and ultimately improve GI function. The aim of this study was to compare pre-injury to post-injury transit times, pH, and pressures in sections of GI tract by utilizing the SmartPill™ in three pigs after SCI at 2 and 6 weeks. Tributyrin was administered to two pigs to assess the influences on their gut microenvironment. We observed prolonged GET (Gastric Emptying Time) and CTT (Colon Transit Time), decreases in contraction frequencies (Con freq) in the antrum of the stomach, colon, and decreases in duodenal pressures post-injury. We noted increases in Sum amp generated at 2 weeks post-injury in the colon, with corresponding decreases in Con freq. We found transient changes in pH in the colon and small intestine at 2 weeks post-injury, with minimal effect on stomach pH post-injury. Prolonged GETs and CTTs can influence the absorptive profile in the gut and contribute to pathology development. This is the first pilot study to administer the SmartPill™ in minipigs in the context of SCI. Further investigations will elucidate these trends and characterize post-SCI GI function.

JK07 prevents atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation inducibility in a porcine DOCA model

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Geconcerteerde Onderzoeksactie (GOA) grant 499 of the University of Antwerp Industrieel OnderzoeksFonds/Strategisch Basisonderzoek 498 (IOF/SBO) research grant of the University of Antwerp Background Atrial fibrosis is a substrate of atrial fibrillation (AF), and higher burdens of fibrosis are associated with resistance to therapy and worse prognosis. Currently, no therapies exist that target atrial fibrosis. JK07 is a long-acting neuregulin-fusion protein that has been shown to decrease ventricular fibrosis in models of heart failure through selective stimulation of the ErbB4 receptor. Purpose To test the ability of JK07 to reduce atrial fibrosis and AF inducibility in minipig model of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA, an aldosterone agonist) induced hypertension. Methods 18 Aachener minipigs were randomized into 3 groups: control (CTRL), DOCA + Vehicle (DOCA+VEH) and DOCA+JK07. The control group did not undergo a therapeutic intervention. To induce hypertension and atrial fibrosis, pellets releasing 10 mg/kg DOCA over a period of 60 days were implanted in minipigs in the DOCA+VEH and DOCA+JK07 groups. The DOCA-implanted animals underwent weekly treatment with JK07 (0.3 mg/kg; DOCA + JK07) or its vehicle (DOCA + VEH), starting at the day of implantation (total of 9 administrations). After 60 days, arterial blood pressure was measured invasively and a decapolar catheter was placed in the right atrium. AF inducibility was tested by performing 50 burst pacing episodes and quantified as the percentage of successful episodes where an AF run ≥ 5 sec could be induced after the burst, out of the 50 attempts. Atrial fibrosis was quantified using ImageJ software on Masson trichrome staining of left atrial specimens, isolated after euthanizing the animals. Results Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the DOCA+VEH (142 ± 10 mmHg) and DOCA+JK07 (132 ± 15 mmHg) groups than in the CTRL group (105 ± 8 mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.01), without an effect of JK07. AF inducibility in the DOCA+VEH group was significantly higher than in the CTRL group (66/250 vs. 9/300, p&amp;lt;0.001), and the DOCA + JK07 group (66/250 vs. 8/300, p&amp;lt;0.001). Likewise, the degree of atrial fibrosis was significantly higher in the DOCA+VEH group compared to CTRL (14.18 ± 1.81 vs. 8.30 ± 2.52, p&amp;lt;0.001) and compared to DOCA+JK07 (14.18 ± 1.81 vs. 10.65 ± 1.59, p=0.0049). Conclusions JK07 prevents atrial fibrosis and AF inducibility in a porcine DOCA model. The effect of JK07 is unrelated to effects on blood pressure, but probably related to reduced atrial fibrogenesis.

Effects of subtotal pancreatectomy and long-term glucose and lipid overload on insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis in minipigs.

Nowadays, there are no strong diabetic pig models, yet they are required for various types of diabetes research. Using cutting-edge techniques, we attempted to develop a type 2 diabetic minipig model in this study by combining a partial pancreatectomy (Px) with an energetic overload administered either orally or parenterally. Different groups of minipigs, including Göttingen-like (GL, n = 17) and Ossabaw (O, n = 4), were developed. Prior to and following each intervention, metabolic assessments were conducted. First, the metabolic responses of the Göttingen-like (n = 3) and Ossabaw (n = 4) strains to a 2-month High-Fat, High-Sucrose diet (HFHSD) were compared. Then, other groups of GL minipigs were established: with a single Px (n = 10), a Px combined with a 2-month HFHSD (n = 6), and long-term intraportal glucose and lipid infusions that were either preceded by a Px (n = 4) or not (n = 4). After the 2-month HFHSD, there was no discernible change between the GL and O minipigs. The pancreatectomized group in GL minipigs showed a significantly lower Acute Insulin Response (AIR) (18.3 ± 10.0 IU/mL after Px vs. 34.9 ± 13.7 IU/mL before, p < .0005). In both long-term intraportal infusion groups, an increase in the Insulinogenic (IGI) and Hepatic Insulin Resistance Indexes (HIRI) was found with a decrease in the AIR, especially in the pancreatectomized group (IGI: 4.2 ± 1.9 after vs. 1.5 ± 0.8 before, p < .05; HIRI (×10-5 ): 12.6 ± 7.9 after vs. 3.8 ± 4.3 before, p < .05; AIR: 24.4 ± 13.7 µIU/mL after vs. 43.9 ± 14.5 µIU/mL before, p < .005). Regardless of the group, there was no fasting hyperglycemia. In this study, we used pancreatectomy followed by long-term intraportal glucose and lipid infusions to develop an original minipig model with metabolic syndrome and early signs of glucose intolerance. We reaffirm the pig's usefulness as a preclinical model for the metabolic syndrome but without the fasting hyperglycemia that characterizes diabetes mellitus.

Development of a neonatal Göttingen Minipig model for dose precision in perinatal asphyxia: technical opportunities, challenges, and potential further steps.

Animal models provide useful information on mechanisms in human disease conditions, but also on exploring (patho)physiological factors affecting pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of drugs in development. Also, in pediatric patients, nonclinical data can be critical for better understanding the disease conditions and developing new drug therapies in this age category. For perinatal asphyxia (PA), a condition defined by oxygen deprivation in the perinatal period and possibly resulting in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or even death, therapeutic hypothermia (TH) together with symptomatic drug therapy, is the standard approach to reduce death and permanent brain damage in these patients. The impact of the systemic hypoxia during PA and/or TH on drug disposition is largely unknown and an animal model can provide useful information on these covariates that cannot be assessed separately in patients. The conventional pig is proven to be a good translational model for PA, but pharmaceutical companies do not use it to develop new drug therapies. As the Göttingen Minipig is the commonly used pig strain in nonclinical drug development, the aim of this project was to develop this animal model for dose precision in PA. This experiment consisted of the instrumentation of 24 healthy male Göttingen Minipigs, within 24 h of partus, weighing approximately 600 g, to allow the mechanical ventilation and the multiple vascular catheters inserted for maintenance infusion, drug administration and blood sampling. After premedication and induction of anesthesia, an experimental protocol of hypoxia was performed, by decreasing the inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2) at 15%, using nitrogen gas. Blood gas analysis was used as an essential tool to evaluate oxygenation and to determine the duration of the systemic hypoxic insult to approximately 1 h. The human clinical situation was mimicked for the first 24 h after birth in case of PA, by administering four compounds (midazolam, phenobarbital, topiramate and fentanyl), frequently used in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This project aimed to develop the first neonatal Göttingen Minipig model for dose precision in PA, allowing to separately study the effect of systemic hypoxia versus TH on drug disposition. Furthermore, this study showed that several techniques that were thought to be challenging or even impossible in these very small animals, such as endotracheal intubation and catheterization of several veins, are feasible by trained personnel. This is relevant information for laboratories using the neonatal Göttingen Minipig for other disease conditions or drug safety testing.

PO-02-214 JK07 PREVENTS HYPERTENSION-INDUCED ATRIAL FIBROSIS AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION INDUCIBILITY IN A PIG MODEL

An important substrate of atrial fibrillation (AF) is atrial fibrosis, and a higher burden of fibrosis correlates with worse prognosis and therapy resistance. Currently, no therapies exist that target atrial fibrosis. JK07 is a long-acting neuregulin-fusion protein that activates the ERBB4 receptor, which mitigates ventricular fibrosis in models of heart failure. To test the ability of JK07 to reduce atrial fibrosis and AF inducibility in the minipig model of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA, an aldosterone agonist) induced hypertension. Eighteen Aachener minipigs were randomized into three groups: control (CTRL), DOCA + Vehicle (DOCA+VEH) and DOCA+JK07. The control group did not undergo disease induction or therapeutic intervention. To induce hypertension and atrial fibrosis in minipigs in the DOCA+VEH and DOCA+JK07 groups, DOCA pellets were implanted releasing 10 mg/kg DOCA over a period of 60 days. The DOCA-implanted animals underwent weekly treatment with JK07 (0.3 mg/kg; DOCA + JK07) or vehicle control (DOCA + VEH), starting on the day of implantation (total of 9 administrations). After 60 days, arterial blood pressure was measured invasively and a decapolar catheter was placed in the right atrium. AF inducibility was tested by performing 50 burst pacing episodes and quantified as the percentage of “successful” episodes where an AF run ≥ 5 sec could be induced after the burst, out of the 50 attempts. Atrial fibrosis was quantified using AFAT software on Masson trichrome staining of left atrial appendage specimens, isolated after euthanizing the animals. Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the DOCA+VEH (142 ± 10 mmHg) and DOCA+JK07 (132 ± 15 mmHg) groups than in the CTRL group (105 ± 8 mmHg, p<0.01), without an effect of JK07. AF inducibility in the DOCA+VEH group was significantly higher than in the CTRL group (66/250 vs. 9/300, p<0.001), and the DOCA + JK07 group (66/250 vs. 8/300, p<0.001). Likewise, the degree of atrial fibrosis was significantly higher in the DOCA+VEH group compared to CTRL (10.32% ± 4.74% surface area vs. 5.28% ± 3.06%, p<0.001) and compared to DOCA+JK07 (10.32% ± 4.74% vs. 3.82% ± 2.68%, p<0.001). JK07 prevents atrial fibrosis and AF inducibility in a porcine DOCA model. The effect of JK07 is unrelated to effects on blood pressure, but probably related to reduced atrial fibrogenesis.

Functional and morphological renal changes in a Göttingen Minipig model of obesity-related and diabetic nephropathy

Obesity-related glomerulopathy and diabetic nephropathy (DN) are serious complications to metabolic syndrome and diabetes. The purpose was to study effects of a fat, fructose and cholesterol-rich (FFC) diet with and without salt in order to induce hypertension on kidney function and morphology in Göttingen Minipigs with and without diabetes. Male Göttingen Minipigs were divided into 4 groups: SD (standard diet, n = 8), FFC (FFC diet, n = 16), FFC-DIA (FFC diet + diabetes, n = 14), FFC-DIA + S (FFC diet with extra salt + diabetes, n = 14). Blood and urine biomarkers, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure (BP) and resistive index (RI) were evaluated after 6–7 months (T1) and 12–13 months (T2). Histology, electron microscopy and gene expression (excluding FFC-DIA + S) were evaluated at T2. All groups fed FFC-diet displayed obesity, increased GFR and RI, glomerulomegaly, mesangial expansion (ME) and glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening. Diabetes on top of FFC diet led to increased plasma glucose and urea and proteinuria and tended to exacerbate the glomerulomegaly, ME and GBM thickening. Four genes (CDKN1A, NPHS2, ACE, SLC2A1) were significantly deregulated in FFC and/or FFC-DIA compared to SD. No effects on BP were observed. Göttingen Minipigs fed FFC diet displayed some of the renal early changes seen in human obesity. Presence of diabetes on top of FFC diet exacerbated the findings and lead to changes resembling the early phases of human DN.

Applicability of the NASA galactic cosmic ray simulator for mice, rats, and minipigs

Space radiation poses multiple health risks to astronauts including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and damage to the central nervous system. Radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) is the main source of these risks for missions beyond low Earth orbit to the moon and beyond. A galactic cosmic ray simulator (GCRsim) was developed at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory to better understand and mitigate these risks by simulating the complex mixed field of the GCR environment at a ground-based facility. The GCRsim delivers a radiation field to cell and animal models in a laboratory setting that is comparable to the shielded radiation environment within internal organs of astronauts in deep space missions. Previous verification studies using Monte Carlo simulations with mouse (Digimouse) and rat (Digirat) digital phantoms showed that the GCRsim yields acceptable dose homogeneity within the internal organs of these animals. Spectral characteristics of the intended space radiation environment are also accurately reproduced at radiosensitive sites in both phantoms. In this work, similar Monte Carlo simulations were performed in a minipig model (Digipig) to show the applicability and limitations of the current GCRsim for larger animal model systems. The results showed dose homogeneity in internal organs of the three animal models with GCRsim irradiation. While slightly lower average doses were seen in the minipig compared to the external beam dose, the individual voxel doses in slices of the phantoms were found to be within 6%–8% of the average voxel dose, establishing that the GCRsim can still provide a relatively homogeneous irradiation within larger animals. Furthermore, simulated dose and fluence spectral results across the relevant linear energy transfer (LET) range agreed well with the reference field in the most relevant regions of the spectra, further verifying that the GCRsim beam represents the reference field in larger animals.

Autologous Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Suppresses Inflammation Caused by Synovial Harvesting and Promotes Healing in a Micro Minipig Repaired Meniscus Model

Allogeneic synovial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) effectively promote meniscus healing in micro minipigs. We investigated the effect of autologous synovial MSC transplantation on meniscus healing in a micro minipig model of meniscus repair showing synovitis after synovial harvesting. Synovium was harvested from the left knee of the micro minipigs after arthrotomy and used to prepare synovial MSCs. The left medial meniscus in the avascular region was injured, repaired, and transplanted with synovial MSCs. First, synovitis was compared after 6 weeks in knees with and without synovial harvesting. Second, the repaired meniscus was compared for the autologous MSC group and the control group (in which synovium was harvested but MSCs were not transplanted) 4 weeks after transplantation. Synovitis was more severe in knees subjected to synovium harvesting than in knees not subjected to harvesting. Menisci treated with autologous MSCs showed no red granulation at the tear of the meniscus, but menisci not treated with MSCS showed red granulation. Macroscopic scores, inflammatory cell infiltration scores, and matrix scores assessed by toluidine blue staining were all significantly better in the autologous MSC group than in the control group without MSCs (n=6). Autologous synovial MSC transplantation suppressed the inflammation caused by synovial harvesting in micro minipigs and promoted healing of the repaired meniscus.

Exploration of fMRI brain responses to oral sucrose after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in obese yucatan minipigs in relationship with microbiota and metabolomics profiles

In most cases, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is an efficient intervention to lose weight, change eating behavior and improve metabolic outcomes in obese patients. We hypothesized that weight loss induced by RYGBP in obese Yucatan minipigs would induce specific modifications of the gut-brain axis and neurocognitive responses to oral sucrose stimulation in relationship with food intake control. An integrative study was performed after SHAM (n=8) or RYGBP (n=8) surgery to disentangle the physiological, metabolic and neurocognitive mechanisms of RYGBP. BOLD fMRI responses to sucrose stimulations at different concentrations, brain mRNA expression, cecal microbiota, and plasma metabolomics were explored 4 months after surgery and integrated with WGCNA analysis. We showed that weight loss induced by RYGBP or SHAM modulated differently the frontostriatal responses to oral sucrose stimulation, suggesting a different hedonic treatment and inhibitory control related to palatable food after RYGBP. The expression of brain genes involved in the serotoninergic and cannabinoid systems were impacted by RYGBP. Cecal microbiota was deeply modified and many metabolite features were differentially increased in RYGBP. Data integration with WGCNA identified interactions between key drivers of OTUs and metabolites features linked to RYGBP. This longitudinal study in the obese minipig model illustrates with a systemic and integrative analysis the mid-term consequences of RYGBP on brain mRNA expression, cecal microbiota and plasma metabolites. We confirmed the impact of RYGBP on functional brain responses related to food reward, hedonic evaluation and inhibitory control, which are key factors for the success of anti-obesity therapy and weight loss maintenance.

The Effect of Dosing of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 on Anal Sphincter Regeneration.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate if a high dose of the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) plasmid improves outcome in a minipig model of chronic anal sphincter injury. Methods: Twenty-two female minipigs underwent excision of the posterior hemicircumference of the anal sphincter complex and were allowed to recover for 6 weeks. They were randomly allocated (n = 6) to receive either 5% dextrose (sham) or 2, 4, or 8 mg of SDF-1 plasmid at the defect site. Two control pigs received no surgery/treatment. Outcome measures included anal manometry at preinjury/pretreatment and 2, 4, and 8 weeks after treatment, recording the mean of eight pressure channels and the posterior channel alone, histopathology using Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemistry using PGP9.5 for staining of neural structures, and CY3 staining for blood vessels. Data are expressed as mean ± standard error. Manometry analysis used two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Holm-Sidak test. Quantification of muscle/fibrosis was analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA on ranks. Results: Posterior anal pressures were significantly decreased in sham treated animals compared with controls (p = 0.04). In contrast, mean anal pressures at the four time points were not significantly different between groups (p > 0.05). The defect area of the sham treated group showed irregular muscle bundles, while all three SDF-1 treatment groups show organized muscle bundles, with the most organization in the higher dose groups. Quantification of Masson-stained slides showed no statistically significant differences between groups, but did show increased muscle volume in the area of defect in the treatment groups compared with sham. PGP9.5 and CY3 staining showed increased fluorescence in the higher dose groups compared with sham treatment. Conclusion: A single higher dose of the plasmid encoding SDF-1 may increase muscle volume in the area of a chronic defect. Impact statement Fecal or bowel incontinence as a result of a torn anal sphincter complex remains undetected for many years. The resulting defect does not respond well to surgical repair. Regenerating the anal sphincter complex with functional muscle has been a long-term goal. Stem cells home to a site of a chronic injury and cause regeneration when a cell signaling mechanism is available. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 is one such cytokine that has been well researched by us and others to have this effect. It is easy to use clinically and has been used in other applications in humans and considered safe.

Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Porcine Bone Marrow, Implanted under the Kidney Capsule, form an Ectopic Focus Containing Bone, Hematopoietic Stromal Microenvironment, and Muscles.

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an object of intense investigation due to their therapeutic potential. MSCs have been well studied in vitro, while their fate after implantation in vivo has been poorly analyzed. We studied the properties of MSCs from the bone marrow (BM-MSC) before and after implantation under the renal capsule using a mini pig model. Autologous BM-MSCs were implanted under the kidney capsule. After 2.5 months, ectopic foci containing bones, foci of ectopic hematopoiesis, bone marrow stromal cells and muscle cells formed. Small pieces of the implant were cultivated as a whole. The cells that migrated out from these implants were cultured, cloned, analyzed and were proven to meet the most of criteria for MSCs, therefore, they are designated as MSCs from the implant-IM-MSCs. The IM-MSC population demonstrated high proliferative potential, similar to BM-MSCs. IM-MSC clones did not respond to adipogenic differentiation inductors: 33% of clones did not differentiate, and 67% differentiated toward an osteogenic lineage. The BM-MSCs revealed functional heterogeneity after implantation under the renal capsule. The BM-MSC population consists of mesenchymal precursor cells of various degrees of differentiation, including stem cells. These newly discovered properties of mini pig BM-MSCs reveal new possibilities in terms of their manipulation.

Antibacterial quaternary ammonium chitosan/carboxymethyl starch/alginate sponges with enhanced hemostatic property for the prevention of dry socket.

Tooth extraction commonly leads to postoperative wound bleeding, bacterial infection, and even the occurrence of dry socket. Therefore, developing a biomedical material with favorable antibacterial and excellent hemostatic properties to prevent the post-extraction dry socket is necessary. Herein, quaternary ammonium chitosan/ carboxymethyl starch/alginate (ACQ) sponges are developed via Ca2+ cross-linking, electrostatic interaction, and lyophilization methods. The results show that the bio-multifunctional sponges exhibit interconnected porous structures with significant fluid absorption rates and suitable water vapor transmission rates. In vitro cellular and hemolysis experiments indicate that the developed sponges have acceptable biocompatibility. Notably, the constructed sponges effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans, as well as achieve rapid hemostasis in the mouse liver injury and mini-pig tooth extraction models by absorbing blood and promoting red blood cell adhesion. Thus, the created bio-multifunctional sponges show tremendous promise as a hemostatic material for wound management after tooth extraction.

Molecular and cellular changes in the post-traumatic spinal cord remodeling after autoinfusion of a genetically-enriched leucoconcentrate in a mini-pig model.

Post-traumatic spinal cord remodeling includes both degenerating and regenerating processes, which affect the potency of the functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Gene therapy for spinal cord injury is proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy to induce positive changes in remodeling of the affected neural tissue. In our previous studies for delivering the therapeutic genes at the site of spinal cord injury, we developed a new approach using an autologous leucoconcentrate transduced ex vivo with chimeric adenoviruses (Ad5/35) carrying recombinant cDNA. In the present study, the efficacy of the intravenous infusion of an autologous genetically-enriched leucoconcentrate simultaneously producing recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) was evaluated with regard to the molecular and cellular changes in remodeling of the spinal cord tissue at the site of damage in a model of mini-pigs with moderate spinal cord injury. Experimental animals were randomly divided into two groups of 4 pigs each: the therapeutic (infused with the leucoconcentrate simultaneously transduced with a combination of the three chimeric adenoviral vectors Ad5/35-VEGF165, Ad5/35-GDNF, and Ad5/35-NCAM1) and control groups (infused with intact leucoconcentrate). The morphometric and immunofluorescence analysis of the spinal cord regeneration in the rostral and caudal segments according to the epicenter of the injury in the treated animals compared to the control mini-pigs showed: (1) higher sparing of the grey matter and increased survivability of the spinal cord cells (lower number of Caspase-3-positive cells and decreased expression of Hsp27); (2) recovery of synaptophysin expression; (3) prevention of astrogliosis (lower area of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1-positive microglial cells); (4) higher growth rates of regenerating βIII-tubulin-positive axons accompanied by a higher number of oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2-positive oligodendroglial cells in the lateral corticospinal tract region. These results revealed the efficacy of intravenous infusion of the autologous genetically-enriched leucoconcentrate producing recombinant VEGF, GDNF, and NCAM in the acute phase of spinal cord injury on the positive changes in the post-traumatic remodeling nervous tissue at the site of direct injury. Our data provide a solid platform for a new ex vivo gene therapy for spinal cord injury and will facilitate further translation of regenerative therapies in clinical neurology.

Temporal quantitative profiling of sialyllactoses and sialic acids after oral administration of sialyllactose to mini-pigs with osteoarthritis.

Sialyllactose (SL) is the most abundant acidic oligosaccharide in human breast milk and plays a primary role in various biological processes. Recently, SL has attracted attention as an excellent dietary supplement for arthritis because it is effective in cartilage protection and treatment. Despite the superior function of SL, there are few pharmacological studies of SL according to blood concentrations in arthritis models. In this study, we investigated quantitative changes in SL and sialic acids in the plasma obtained from mini-pigs with osteoarthritis throughout exogenous administration of SL using liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. Plasma concentrations of SL and sialic acids in the SL-fed group showed a significant difference compared to the control group. Mini pigs were fed only Neu5Ac bound to SL, but the concentration patterns of the two types of sialic acid, Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc, were similar. In addition, the relative mRNA expression level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which is known as a critical factor in cartilage matrix degradation, was remarkably decreased in the synovial membrane of the SL-fed group. Consequently, the temporal quantitative profiling suggests that dietary SL can be metabolized and utilized in the body and may protect against cartilage degradation by suppressing MMP expression during osteoarthritis progression.

Steerable catheter based on wire-driven seamless artificial blood vessel tube for endoscopic retrograde transpapillary interventions.

Current steerable catheters (SCs) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have performance limitations caused by an asymmetric multiple-slit tube design with a small maximum bend angle, lesser curvatures, and insufficient durability. We propose a wire-driven SC for balanced bidirectional bending using artificial blood vessel material to overcome these limitations. We assess the SC prototype's steerability using phantom and animal models. The SC prototype employed a slit-less and multiple-lumen seamless tube with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) body with stretch-retractable porous expanded PTFE at the distal end, and loop-formed control wires. We evaluated the wire routing design using a static model. The bending performance was compared with conventional SCs. Feasibility studies were performed, including major duodenal papilla insertions and ductal branch selections in desktop phantoms and a mini-pig model. The proposed design reduced the wire contact force by 48% compared to the single wire configuration. The maximum bend angle was 162°, almost twofold larger than that for conventional SCs. The lateral tip position in the bent shape was maximally 56% smaller. The tip flexibility was comparable to conventional SCs, and the insertion resistance was similar to the passive catheters. Phantom studies showed that the SC prototype could perform the large and protuberant papilla insertions and fine ductal branch selections without breaking; the animal study was completed successfully. We propose a wire-driven SC design for ERCP using a multi-lumen seamless tube and two loop-formed control wires, different from the conventional SC design with a multiple-slit tube and single control wire. The SC prototype records balanced bidirectional bending with a maximum bending angle of ± 162° without breakage risk. The phantom and animal studies show that the prototype performance potentially facilitates papilla cannulations and intrahepatic ductal branch seeking.

Glucose-responsive microneedle patch for closed-loop dual-hormone delivery in mice and pigs

Insulin and glucagon secreted from the pancreas with dynamic balance play a vital role in regulating blood glucose levels. Although distinct glucose-responsive insulin delivery systems have been developed, the lack of a self-regulated glucagon release module limits their clinical applications due to the potential risk of hypoglycemia. Here, we describe a transdermal polymeric microneedle patch for glucose-responsive closed-loop insulin and glucagon delivery to achieve glycemic regulation with minimized risk of hypoglycemia. The glucose-responsive phenylboronic acid units can bind to glucose to reversibly shift the net charge (from positive to negative) of the entire polymeric matrix within microneedles. Therefore, the release ratio of the negatively charged insulin and the positively charged glucagon analog from the patch can be dynamically tuned upon the fluctuation of blood glucose levels to realize glycemic homeostasis. In both chemically induced type 1 diabetic mouse and minipig models, this glucose-responsive dual-hormone microneedle patch demonstrated tight long-term regulation in blood glucose levels (>24 hours in minipigs).

Marked gut microbiota dysbiosis and increased imidazole propionate are associated with a NASH Göttingen Minipig model

BackgroundGut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through modulation of gut barrier, inflammation, lipid metabolism, bile acid signaling and short-chain fatty acid production. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of a choline-deficient amino acid defined high fat diet (CDAHFD) on the gut microbiota in a male Göttingen Minipig model and on selected pathways implicated in the development of NASH.ResultsEight weeks of CDAHFD resulted in a significantly altered colon microbiota mainly driven by the bacterial families Lachnospiraceae and Enterobacteriaceae, being decreased and increased in relative abundance, respectively. Metabolomics analysis revealed that CDAHFD decreased colon content of short-chain fatty acid and increased colonic pH. In addition, serum levels of the microbially produced metabolite imidazole propionate were significantly elevated as a consequence of CDAHFD feeding. Hepatic gene expression analysis showed upregulation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Ras Homolog, MTORC1 binding in addition to downregulation of insulin receptor substrate 1, insulin receptor substrate 2 and the glucagon receptor in CDAHFD fed minipigs. Further, the consequences of CDAHFD feeding were associated with increased levels of circulating cholesterol, bile acids, and glucagon but not total amino acids.ConclusionsOur results indicate imidazole propionate as a new potentially relevant factor in relation to NASH and discuss the possible implication of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the development of NASH. In addition, the study emphasizes the need for considering the gut microbiota and its products when developing translational animal models for NASH.

Combined Administration of Pravastatin and Metformin Attenuates Acute Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury in Mouse and Minipig Models

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) damage is one of the critical factors that serve as basis for the lethality of nuclear accidents or terrorism. Further, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved agents available to mitigate radiation-induced intestinal injury. Although pravastatin (PS) has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and epithelial reconstructive effects following radiation exposure using mouse and minipig models, the treatment failed to improve the survival rate of high-dose irradiated intestinal injury. Moreover, we previously found that metformin (MF), a common drug used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, has a mitigating effect on radiation-induced enteropathy by promoting stem cell properties. In this study, we investigated whether the combined administration of PS and MF could achieve therapeutic effects on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mouse and minipig models. We found that the combined treatment markedly increased the survival rate and attenuated histological damage in a radiation-induced intestinal injury mouse model, in addition to epithelial barrier recovery, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved epithelial proliferation with stem cell properties. Furthermore, in minipig models, combined treatment with PS and MF ameliorates gross pathological damage in abdominal organs and attenuated radiation-induced intestinal histological damage. Therefore, the combination of PS and MF effectively alleviated radiation-induced intestinal injury in the mouse and minipig models. We believe that the combined use of PS and MF is a promising therapeutic approach for treating radiation-induced intestinal injury.